Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village - Family - Nairaland
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| Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by yuzedo: 4:51pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Not Every Time "Flex", Sometimes "Epp" - Ongoing Case 17/10/2016 Under the Town Planning Bridge linking Ilupeju to Anthony Village, a bag of bones held tautly together by a thin layer of diseased skin lies awaiting an inevitable death. Our bag of bones is what remains of a man, nay, boy, who despite his visceral state is surprisingly lucid, and as “cheerful” as his unfortunate state should typically allow. He is my newest friend, and his name is Musa. I made his acquaintance on Thursday, when whilst driving to work I spotted the human heap tucked in an obscure spot under said bridge, sleeping. Have you ever slept for 24-hours because you had no choice? A certain period in 1998, I was sleeping for 24-hours, because consciousness meant INTENSE PAIN having just suffered a certain physical trauma. Twice a day, around mid-day and again at 8-pm, I would try to, and successfully muster enough strength to open my eyes for 2-minutes at the very most, to observe life – apparently proceeding without me; and to acknowledge my family’s presence, before being forced to relapse into an unconsciousness besieged by frightful, fiery dreams that were still a thousand times more bearable than the overwhelming anguish of a once-familiar consciousness we all take for granted. Musa currently lives this reality – too weak to even beg. On the day I made his acquaintance after buying him a hot meal, I was forced to return home because he desperately needed clothes. I brought back three shirts, two trousers, and a pair of shorts. I promised to try and get Lagos State Officials to come and rescue him. On Friday, passing my friend, he was wearing at least two sets of the three I had obliged him. I was weak. Na cold make man wear three cloth for inside sun!!! How he even managed to put them on unassisted beats me; this bag of bones (Calling him a "bag of bones" is understating a physical condition akin to Kevin Carter's Pulitzer-winning depiction of victims in the 1993 Sudanese Crisis) needed me to pull him up to a sitting position when he wants to eat. Can you imagine finding a lone bottle of water after a 10-day trek in Sahara Desert but not having the basic energy to unscrew the plastic cap, so you die of dehydration  ? Our man had almost lost his teeth trying to open the coca-cola I bought, when I returned and effortlessly turned the cap. Nwanne, to open coke easy until your body no strong. Sorry for all the details, but a pathetic situation requires full disclosure! This thing has me thinking. What is Religion? – Not fornicating? Not worshipping juju?? Fam, did Jesus die for you to attend church where you do nothing but beg him for more favors No. Now, let me narrate the concluding part of this story, and hopefully justify my reason for sharing with the world what I had planned would be one of many little secrets; I felt guilty the entire weekend. Being in utter comfort on the Island, I continued to think about my new friend at the mercy of the elements. I half-hoped the State Government’s Social Welfare Taskforce would have picked him up for rehabilitation by Monday, but nope, Musa was still under the bridge, half-dead, but still lucid enough to remember me. I gave him his food, and held a bitter-sweet conversation with the man who now wore what up till Thursday were my shirts. I asked his most pressing needs, at least until rescue came, and he was content with food, really. Ah! My warm room and duvet weren’t enough comfort during last night’s downpour, how much more, a sick man out in the open?! I promised him an old Quilt, but I’d bring it tomorrow on my way to work. “Bring it today. PLEASE!!” He implored, eyes darting around desperately. “I beg. Today!!”, he repeated, eyes streaming, teeth gnashed in frantic hope. It seemed mentioning the previously-unforeseen prospect of bodily warmth had galvanized awareness of his nightly suffering – and the reality of 24-hours being an eternity in such conditions!! I was forced to immediately enlist my mother’s help in driving down to Town Planning with said Quilt, if only to quell his growing fear that I was leaving without redeeming my promise of same. Instead of fruits, he requested milk, and as he drank, he asked for prayers. Ah! I couldn’t possibly open my sinner-mouth to invoke the Almighty, so I made a mental note to outsource that task to others more equipped. Looking everywhere but at me, Musa continued emotionally; “You don spend money plenty on-top my head, na God go bless you. If I die now, na God go reward you for wetin you do for me. I happy, God go bless you anywhere you go.” Sigh. A 20-year old; articulating his untimely death as though an old man at the twilight of a fulfilled existence… a child, blessing an “adult”, in Africa. Because of ordinary hunger??!! Musa’s life is probably the opportunity cost of a bottle of champagne… I mean, isn’t this worse than Schindler’s List where a single lapel pin was enough to save the life of at least another Jew?? An Ancestor once told me – Wearing Ralph Lauren is all well and good, but abeg, wear Ralph Lauren and feed a widow. Wear your Gucci head-to-toe, but nwanne, encourage an orphan. You are human to be human. The poor will ALWAYS be with us/you – so that there is always an opportunity to give, and do more than just exist. “The only thing you truly get to keep is what you give away.” [s]… and then the Ancestor disappeared like Mufasa in the clouds.[/s] PLEASE, if you know any official who can mobilize on this case, do your bit and call the person. Musa isn't going anywhere unless someone makes a moves. And for whichever Government Official or Private Individual that takes it upon him/herself to intervene, I leave the Talmud Quote, “He who saves one life, saves the world entire.” Not every time "flex", sometimes lets "epp". Arigato! 126 Likes 35 Shares |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by ifyalways(f): 6:21pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Unfortunately, there's nothing Lagos state government can do for him. Is he not able to walk? I've seen one crawling @jakande r/about with shyte, vomit and spittle all over him, begging for alms. About two @ Obalende. I and a group of friends have one of such people that we send home cooked meal and drinking water to, once a day on rotation. (Mrs A sends on Monday, Ms K on Tuesday, etc) If you can get a restaurant around, speak to the owner/manager about sending him food and water once each day,it will be nice. You can then check up on him whenever you can. Life's not fair. 11 Likes 3 Shares |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by ifyalways(f): 6:24pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
On a lighter note, I have missed you Chief Sweetus.  A couple of days back,picture of Ramsey Noah walking Riri down the stairs graced the front page of Nld and my first thoughts were " where is Yuzedo"?  22 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by InformedLola(f): 6:24pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Inspiring... And your writing is too. 6 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Ishilove: 6:35pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Photos may help... 6 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by bellong: 7:03pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Yuzedo, Can you send pictures and details to TEHN to take it up from there.... I am not sure if ministry of social welfare will be responsible to take this up. Hopefully, someone knows someone who knows someone in the department/ministry that can help the young man. Hopefully, it is something TEHN can coordinate 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by yuzedo: 7:30pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Will try and get a picture or three tomorrow if it'll advance his cause, but I REFUSE to believe there are NO responsible people in the Social Welfare Department of Lagos State Government. Nope, impossible! @Ify, he can't walk... Probably too weak to. Cursory inspection suggests muscle atrophy from severe malnutrition, but I'll leave proper diagnosis to a Medical Professional. 7 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Ishilove: 7:36pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
yuzedo:You berra believe it. Nigeria is THAT messed up 4 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by safarigirl(f): 7:50pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
I've really missed your presence on this site. It's quite sad to know that such a pathetic situation has returned you to this platform, but your determination to bring some form of awareness to this fellow's plight is admirable in a society with so many people too busy living their own lives to realise some people don't even have lives to begin with, just an existence. Have you tried tweeting at the handles of Lagos government agencies on Twitter? You can never tell, every platform should be properly utilised, and as you know sometimes all it rakes is bringing such happening to the awareness of the general public True, Musa is one of many scattered across this country who have been all but forgotten, but like you said, saving even if one soul, is extremely important despite current hardship. Oga Seun ati lalasticlala, you guys should please do your part by moving this to FP if you can, it's a matter of life and death 5 Likes 4 Shares |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by GAZZUZZ(m): 8:04pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
so sad. I love the idea of getting a restaurant to feed him, I'll contact you so I can contribute to his welfare. Mean while this was funny Ah! I couldn’t possibly open my sinner-mouth to invoke the Almighty, so I made a mental note to outsource that task to others more equipped 8 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by ifyalways(f): 8:43pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Yuzedo, Good luck on getting the government involved. I pray somehow, it works out fine. Another option you can explore is to try reach or take him to " the Cheshire homes, Alakara Mushin. They "might" take him in. 1 Like |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by bellong: 8:50pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Ifyalways, Cheshire is at Olosha Mushin. Alakara is juvenile police station, idi-oro.. 2 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by ifyalways(f): 9:00pm On Oct 17, 2016 |
Thank you jare. I'm sorta used to calling that whole area " Alakara Mushin" You sef na old soja. 4 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Nobody: 3:09am On Oct 18, 2016 |
I almost got carried away with your literary prowess Fam, did Jesus die for you to attend church where you do nothing but beg him for more favorsthen the above question came along and I found myself sobering up. I'm gonna meditate on that today. If the necessary agency refuses to find him, maybe you should find them on his behalf. 10 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by oluwabishop: 9:30am On Oct 18, 2016 |
Chief Sweetus Oyoyo Yuzedo... Baba I bow for your literary prowess. This narrative is stimulating, inspiring and touching. Your random deed of kindness surely won't go unnoticed. I'd tweet this story at the handles of various related Lagos government officials / agencies. Let's hope it piques their interest 4 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by yuzedo: 4:33pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
UPDATE So I stopped by to see our friend this morning and the information gleaned from today's visit was as hilarious as it was disheartening. Approaching Musa, he was completely and expertly covered up. Like a corpse. My heart skipped. And my chieftaincy title failed me utterly, because in that split second, I realized a simple fact; I was only going to shake him if I was guaranteed a response. NOTHING would make me shake a body that would never respond. The mental trauma would stay with me forever. I couldn't deal, yes, I am a chicken! It took me calling his name five times before he was roused from his obviously more comfortable slumber. He was fine, pheww! And happy to see me, but also specific about what he wanted today. Coke, and Mirinda, and Milk; no food for him this time, he was watching his weight.  Went across the bridge for his requests and when I came back, pulled him up into an upright position necessary for "breakfast". He drank 3/4 of the iced Pepsi, before asking that we pour the milk into the remaining soft drink. "It gives me power.", was his explanation when prodded. Some old Mamas trading by the foot of the bridge had been observing me with that "ehyaa look" only Nigerian Adults can quite pull off, you know the one, pronounced lip-curl of a downward nature. They finally approached with thanks and tangerines, and Mama in the brown bou-bou quickly admonishes me; "No give am money o!" Although not my intention, I was curious to know why not, so she reveals; "Area boys dey collect am from the boy for night." WOW! How low can you possibly be to rob a human so helpless and so vulnerable?!?! Probably explains why the best of the clothes I dropped off with Musa were inexplicably missing. Apparently, they had also taken as much as N3,000 given him by an individual. Fam! Tiri gbosaa to dem! Mama went on to reveal that another person had dropped off N1,000 with her to supply him fruits, and he loved tangerines. He was busy trying to squeeze said fruit into his "lethal" Pepsi and milk mixture. I was tired, abeg! Musa remains in good spirits. Cannot decide what I prefer; his great dentition, his love for milk (and coke), or the equanimity with which he considers the possibility of death. He doesn't cower and beg for his life, but accepts every charity and challenge in good faith. Here's hoping some highly placed person/group will take up this challenge to assist in keeping the Grim Reaper at bay in at least one life. 16 Likes 4 Shares
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| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by yuzedo: 4:45pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
Great guy! Maybe Tangerine flavored Pepsi-Milk on-the-rocks will soon be a thing at upscale bars! .... Mamas dropped by to talk about his case. Nigerians, generally "gooder" than bad. Economic hardship cannot rob us of our natural empathy.  10 Likes
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| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by bellong: 4:48pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
yuzedo: CC: TEHN Jaybee3 Pickabeau1 5 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Pdizzle(m): 5:57pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
You're a different breed Chief sweetus. Kudos! 6 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Ishilove: 6:23pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
Yuzedo I wish you had taken photos from different angles...It will have more effect. But you try sha. God bless you 1 Like |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Ishilove: 6:34pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
What ails him asides hunger, Yuzedo? Where's his family? 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by pickabeau1: 7:32pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
wow.. this guy is so thin his attitude evokes a certain wistfulness if one does not consider the potential tragedy barking at the seams so whats the plan if tehn is to be involved.. the OP must bring his case to them as a sponsor\ Also does he not want to work even as a maiguard or baro in the market or selling fruits at Mile 12 can someone stand as surety for him 3 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Nosyke(m): 7:45pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
@ Chief Sweetus, It's really good to hear from you, just recently a friend who also is a nairalander and myself wondered where you were- good to know that you are fine. Your acts of kindness is as touching as it is really inspiring -really heart warming to know that in the midst of this whole madness individuals with milk of human kindness still exist. About Musa, while waiting, hopefully, for the social welfare unit of Lagos state, can inquiries also be made about NGOS that can take care of him. The Social Welfare unit even if on their own can't do much, they can certainly recommend NGOs that can take in Musa. The things we take for granted though......... 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by 5minsmadness: 7:53am On Oct 19, 2016 |
Yuzedoooo! As always, your write-ups are inspiring. 2 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by MrMcJay(m): 11:37am On Oct 19, 2016 |
Please, for those who pass by that area to and from work each day, spare a thought for this boy and drop some food, clothing or toiletries for this poor fellow. One person at a time, we can change our world! 4 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by MadCow1: 11:38am On Oct 19, 2016 |
Deep.. Chief Sweetus.. I miss you soooo much Fam. (No Homo).. You sound as good as ever.Your write up.. Dayuuuum!! Like seriously!!!!! You have got skills.. Okay.. Team TeHN should please look into this kids matter. I am in to help in anyway I can. That Kid needs to be moved from under the bridge to a more conducive environment like a Home for the disabled or something. I will be around to see what you guys come up with. Chief Sweetus, If there is anything you need help with regarding this kid, lemme know. 4 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Wizzyblack3(m): 11:41am On Oct 19, 2016 |
O Lord.. What's the essence of so many churches and mosque around us, especially in Lagos when we have ppl like this lying helplessly in every corner of the state. Chief Yuzedo, this is the first time am knowing you on NL, but unfortunately this first time, you made tears roll down my cheeks. You're blessed even without you praying. And i SALUTE your writing skill, i can be ur student sir, if you don't mind. 7 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Pavore9: 11:41am On Oct 19, 2016 |
“The only thing you truly get to keep is what you give away.”.......This is deep! 12 Likes |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Onyenna(m): 11:42am On Oct 19, 2016 |
Remain blessed 1 Like |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by Nobody: 11:47am On Oct 19, 2016 |
Great 1 Like |
| Re: Sick Musa Under The Town Planning Bridge Linking Ilupeju To Anthony Village by babyhrt(m): 11:49am On Oct 19, 2016 |
I have been seeing this guy for some time now in under the said Bridge...But fear no let me go near him o |
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